The Highland Avenue church in Benton Harbor, Michigan, celebrated a remarkable milestone on Sabbath, July 18, as members, former pastors, community leaders, conference administrators and friends gathered to commemorate the congregation’s 80th anniversary. The celebration served as both a joyful reunion and a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness through eight decades of ministry.
Founded in 1946 as the first African American Seventh-day Adventist congregation in Berrien County, Highland Avenue has become a spiritual landmark whose influence has extended well beyond its local community. Throughout the service, speakers reflected on the church’s rich heritage while challenging the congregation to remain committed to its mission for generations to come.
Senior Pastor Denry White welcomed attendees by emphasizing that Highland Avenue has always been more than a church building. It is an active community where Christ is revealed, faith is nurtured, and every person is welcomed. He also recognized the countless volunteers whose months of planning helped make the anniversary weekend a memorable celebration of the church’s legacy.
Greetings were shared by leaders from the Lake Union Conference and the Lake Region Conference, each expressing appreciation for Highland Avenue’s enduring commitment to proclaiming Christ and serving the Benton Harbor community.
Lake Union Conference President Elden Ramirez praised the congregation for faithfully fulfilling its mission for eight decades, encouraging members to continue making Christ known until His return.
Lake Region Conference President Abraham Henry congratulated Highland Avenue on reaching this historic milestone and described the congregation as a landmark church whose ministry has impacted not only Berrien County but the entire conference. He challenged the congregation to continue building upon the foundation laid by those who came before, reminding members that “the Lord has helped us thus far,” and that the best chapters of Highland Avenue’s ministry are still ahead. On behalf of the Lake Region Conference, Henry presented the church with a commemorative proclamation recognizing its 80 years of faithful service.
Former Lake Region Conference President Clifford Jones encouraged the church to continue pursuing God’s vision as it ministers to future generations.
One of the defining themes throughout the celebration was Highland Avenue’s deep partnership with the Benton Harbor community. Community leaders representing neighboring churches and civic organizations commended the congregation for decades of collaboration, compassion and service that have transcended denominational lines. Together, they affirmed that the church’s influence has been felt not only through worship services, but through its consistent investment in the spiritual, educational, and social well-being of the community.
The City of Benton Harbor officially recognized the congregation’s impact as Mayor Marcus Muhammad proclaimed July 17–19, 2026, as Highland Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church Anniversary Weekend. The proclamation celebrated the church’s role as a beacon of hope since its founding in 1946 and acknowledged its decades of community service through outreach ministries, educational initiatives, health programs and spiritual leadership. A similar proclamation from Benton Charter Township honored the congregation’s lasting contributions throughout the region.
Throughout the service, moments of reflection celebrated the generations who helped shape Highland Avenue’s legacy. Former pastors were recognized for their faithful leadership, founding families were honored for their vision and sacrifice, and longtime members were celebrated for preserving the congregation’s rich heritage.
The celebration culminated with a powerful message from Abraham Jules, president of the Atlantic Union Conference, whose connection to Highland Avenue made the occasion especially meaningful. As a seminarian at Andrews University, Jules served as a pastoral intern at Highland Avenue, making his return to the pulpit a full-circle moment in both his ministry and the church’s history. He reminded the congregation that the church’s 80-year legacy is ultimately a testimony to God’s unwavering faithfulness.
Eighty years after a small group of believers first gathered in local homes to worship, the Highland Avenue church continues to stand as a testimony of God’s sustaining grace. With a rich history rooted in faith, strengthened by family, and demonstrated through fellowship, the congregation looks ahead with renewed commitment to sharing the love of Christ throughout Benton Harbor.
JeNean Lendor is the Lake Region Conference communications director.